Latest news with #Briningstool
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could This Undrafted Tiger Become Kansas City's Next Travis Kelce
Clemson hasn't produced many household-name tight ends in the NFL, but that could quietly be changing with Jake Briningstool's arrival in Kansas City. After going undrafted in April, Briningstool didn't have to wait long to find a landing spot. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid personally reached out to recruit him — a gesture that spoke volumes about how the Super Bowl champions viewed the 6-foot-6 pass-catcher. Advertisement 'That was pretty unique to hear, which kind of really stood out to me, just showing how much they valued me,' Briningstool said, reflecting on Reid's call. Though undrafted, Briningstool's résumé at Clemson tells a different story. He finished his career with 124 catches, 1,313 yards, and 16 touchdowns — numbers that would be impressive for a wide receiver, let alone a tight end. And that's precisely what makes Briningstool intriguing at the next level: he fits the mold of the modern NFL tight end — long, athletic, and built to stress defenses. While Travis Kelce may still be the gold standard in Kansas City, the 34-year-old's eventual retirement is no longer hypothetical. With Briningstool now in the building, the Chiefs may be quietly prepping for a future without Kelce — and Clemson could become a key piece of that transition. American team tight end Jake Briningstool of Clemson (19) runs a route during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Briningstool isn't just auditioning for a spot on the roster — he's auditioning to be part of the next wave of playmaking tight ends. And he's already turned heads during practice, hauling in a pair of diving catches that drew praise from Kansas City media. Advertisement Clemson has long been recognized for its wide receivers and defensive linemen, but Briningstool's journey might signal a changing perception. As college football evolves and the tight end position becomes more dynamic, Clemson's ability to produce NFL-caliber talent at that spot could become a real recruiting tool. If Briningstool earns a place on the Chiefs' 53-man roster — and perhaps even more in the coming years — don't be surprised if more NFL teams come looking for the next versatile pass-catcher from Death Valley. Related: Dabo Swinney Joins Live Call as Four-Star Safety Kentavion Anderson Commits to Clemson Related: Clemson Lands Top In-State Safety for Dabo Swinney's Top 5 2026 Class Related: Billy Napier Reflects on Clemson Firing by Dabo Swinney That Changed Everything
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve
Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve The Kansas City Chiefs signed Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool as an undrafted free agent. Poor measurables combined with uninspiring athletic testing to make Briningstool fall out of the 2025 NFL draft, but his tape showcases a developing player capable of contributing to the offense in a niche role. At 6'5 5/8", Briningstool presents a size mismatch that makes him a strong option for red zone fades and one-on-one targets down the seam. He lacks elite speed but showcases enough burst in the route's first ten to 15 yards to overtake and stack linebackers, especially in man coverage. Briningstool has plenty of experience against NFL-caliber competition. While at the Senior Bowl, he spoke about the value of facing Clemson's vaunted defense in practices throughout his college career. 'We have a saying at Clemson. 'Practice is going to be harder than the games.' We get after it. We compete with each other every single day. Going against guys like R.J. Mickens and Barrett Carter on a daily basis helped my development and helped me become a better player.' Briningstool spent most of his time in the slot at Clemson but also took snaps in-line and got occasional opportunities to play out wide. His lean build makes him not an ideal fit for in-line reps in the NFL, but his value moving around the formation or working out of the backfield as an H-back gives the Chiefs a sure-handed weapon with mismatch potential. Briningstool still needs to get stronger and execute sharper routes, but his use of leverage and body positioning working downfield gives him situational value. He also has the football IQ to recognize holes in zone coverage and work with the quarterback to keep throwing lanes open. Briningstool knows he needs to improve to set the tone for his NFL career. He shared his plans for the future of his game while at the Senior Bowl. 'I just want to get better in all aspects of my game. I think I have areas to improve at in every facet. Just being able to chase that best version of myself and do everything I can.' Briningstool faces an uphill climb to make Kansas City's final roster. Travis Kelce and Noah Gray are entrenched contributors, and second-year former fourth round pick Jared Wiley offers even greater height than Briningstool and a stronger build. Wiley's recovery timetable from the torn ACL he suffered last season might create some camp and preseason opportunities for Briningstool to prove he belongs on Kansas City's 53-man roster.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs Cut Veteran Cornerback In 2 Roster Moves
We call them "minor roster moves,'' and that is accurate ... Unless the move happens to you. Cornerback Robert Rochell, who just signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last month, is now out the door as KC churns the bottom of its planned 90-man roster. Advertisement The Chiefs announced officially that they have released the veteran corner Rochell, who'd just signed with the team in late March. As of this writing, the Chiefs have not made an official announcement of a corresponding addition to the roster was announced, but Major Williams seems to be the guy who is coming aboard ... Based on his college, Carson-Newman, making a proud mention of that. Williams, it seems, has signed with the Super Bowl finalist after his minicamp tryout. Williams' credentials? The defensive back recorded 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception for his school in 2024 and he also returned two punts for touchdowns during his stint there. Advertisement Rochell, meanwhile, played in 48 games for the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers over the course of the last four seasons. He has in his career recorded 25 tackles, an interception and a trio of forced fumbles. Rookies and UDFAs are part of the story now ... as they all hope it stays that way. That now goes for Williams on defense as it does for, say, Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool on offense. Briningstool was signed as an undrafted free agent, being scooped up by the Chiefs quickly. Briningstool packs a 6-foot-6, 241-pound frame, a true NFL tight end's body. Briningstool is trying to develop his game and show enough promise to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster come September. Advertisement And all he has to is figure out how he fits on the depth chart behind none other than future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. For Briningstool - who caught 49 passes for 530 yards and seven touchdowns last year in college - it's a challenge. But it beats getting cut. Related: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Date Night in New York a Mystery
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Chiefs quietly sign top undrafted tight end who could become Travis Kelce's long-term replacement
The Chiefs may have found Travis Kelce's future successor in undrafted tight end Jake Briningstool, a promising Clemson standout with size, skill, and upside. (Credit: Getty Images) As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another run at the Super Bowl, one of the franchise's most pressing long-term questions continues to loom large — what happens after Travis Kelce ? At 36 years old by the time the 2025 season kicks off, the legendary tight end remains one of the league's most reliable weapons. But even the most iconic careers reach their sunset eventually, and the Chiefs may have quietly taken their first real step toward the future. Kansas City Chiefs may have just landed Travis Kelce's successor with sneaky UDFA tight end signing Shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, Kansas City made a subtle yet potentially impactful move by signing former Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool as an undrafted free agent. While the move didn't make headlines like a blockbuster trade or first-round pick, it could prove to be one of the smarter under-the-radar additions of the offseason. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo Briningstool brings an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and proven production. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 241 pounds, he holds the record for most career receptions by a tight end at Clemson with 127. His 2024 campaign saw him haul in 49 passes for 530 yards and seven touchdowns — all while playing in a system that didn't always prioritize tight ends. His performance at the NFL Combine also turned heads, clocking a 4.75-second 40-yard dash, ranking him among the top 10 at his position. While Kelce and Noah Gray remain firmly entrenched atop the Chiefs' tight end depth chart, the third spot is up for grabs — and Briningstool has a legitimate shot. More than just a camp body, he has been viewed as a developmental prospect with high upside, someone the Chiefs could mold into a reliable red-zone target and long-term asset. draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Briningstool's potential, noting, "What Briningstool lacks in mass he makes up for with toughness in both phases. He's a possession-based tight end who majors in zone-beaters but will struggle to separate against man coverage." Zierlein also highlighted his ability to operate with "good body control and strong hands at the catch point." Given Kansas City's issues in the passing game last season — where rookie Xavier Worthy stood out as the only consistent vertical threat — it's no surprise the team is prioritizing more versatile receiving options. While they only selected one pass catcher in the draft, wide receiver Jaylen Royals, the addition of Briningstool shows a deliberate effort to address a potential succession plan behind the scenes. If Briningstool can polish his blocking and prove his worth in camp, he may not just make the 53-man roster — he could be the next chapter in the Chiefs' long history of tight end excellence. In a franchise known for turning overlooked prospects into stars, this move might age better than anyone expects. Also Read: Mel Kiper Jr. reveals his take on the 'best' and 'worst' team from NFL Draft 2025
